Kiwi Curated
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
by Joy PecknoldAs far as we’re concerned, Canada has always been a must-see destination (it’s the country Kiwi Collection calls home, so we’re a wee bit biased), but this year she’s got the spotlight on her because of her big 150th birthday. In honor of the milestone, we recount a few of our favorite places and the compelling reasons to go there.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
In Montreal it’s double the milestone’s with the city celebrating its 375th birthday this year—and that means a slew of special events. Stay in Old Montreal at Hôtel William Gray. Occupying two restored 18th century houses, it offers that ideal mix of old and new.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
The quiet Island wasn’t on most traveler’s radar until Zita Cobb opened the Fogo Island Inn in 2013. The architectural marvel has drawn dignitaries and celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow, and it’s easy to see why. The Todd Saunders-designed structure is perched right on the rocks overlooking the frothing Atlantic Ocean—every room frames it.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Nova Scotia is synonymous with all the east coast things, including lobster, but it’s also an epic place to tee off. The Fox Harb’r Golf Resort & Spa features a Graham Cooke-designed championship course, a 9-hole executive course and a golf academy. Don’t miss a visit to Prince Edward Island (of Anne of Green Gables fame) right across the water.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
The City of Glass, as local artist and author Douglas Coupland has dubbed it, especially sparkles in the summer. Bask in the sun on one of Vancouver’s many beaches or hike the North Shore Mountains for a bird’s-eye view. Well-situated downtown, the Loden Hotel makes it a breeze to bike the Seawall and shop Luxury Row in the same day.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
The surf town swells with tourists in the summer, and for good reason, because there are nearly enough delicious restaurants as there are picturesque beaches. For a next level experience, board a seaplane for Clayoquot Wilderness Resort & Spa. Seaside and surrounded by rainforest, it makes guests feel like 19th century explorers—albeit it much more luxurious situation.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
A visit to The Six is a must for any Drake fan, but that’s not the only reason to go. Summer’s all about Blue Jays baseball games and outdoor festivals. Come September, the city is star-studded for the Toronto International Film Festival. Celeb spotting and cool accommodations go hand-in-hand at The Thompson.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
One of Canada’s oldest cities—founded in 1608—Quebec City is also one of its most charming, with its original cobblestone streets and city walls garnering it UNESCO World Heritage Site status. For a deep dive into its history, stay at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Atop Old Quebec, the hotel has presided since 1893.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
One’s best chance of seeing poster boy Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the flesh is in Canada’s capital. Walking distance from Parliament Hill, Andaz Ottawa Byward Market makes for a mod home base. While winter isn’t the popular time to go, consider it: there’s fewer things more Canadian than playing hockey on the frozen Rideau Canal.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Like a mini Ottawa by the ocean, Victoria is another city high on the how-charming scale. The British Commonwealth vibes are strong here, with Afternoon Tea being a popular afternoon activity. The Fairmont Empress is the best place for that—especially now that its stunning $60 million dollar transformation is complete.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
For the last three years, Whistler Blackcomb has been rated the No. 1 ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine. While winter is its peak season, but the town and surrounding wilderness is fun year-round. Nita Lake Lodge has one of the sweetest set-ups, fronting the lake and cradled by mountains.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Turquoise waters backed by towering peaks—chances are you’ve come across a picture of Banff in your Instagram feed. It’s even more beautiful in real life. Making it all the more photogenic is the Fairmont Banff Springs, modeled after a Scottish Baronial Castle it’s nestled amongst the majesty of the National Park.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Home to more than 200 wineries, the Okanagan Valley is an oenophile’s paradise. Equally refreshing to a glass of rosé is a swim in one of the lakes or rivers that serpentine through the region. Spin a spa retreat out of a trip here with a weekend at Sparkling Hill Resort and Wellness Hotel. They take pampering seriously—their KurSpa has a whopping 40,000 square feet of space and offers more than 100 treatments.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Would you like a side of world-class theater with your wine country. There are more wineries in Niagara-on-the-lake worth exploring, alongside the Shaw Festival which runs April through October. Surrounded by ponds and English gardens, The Oban Inn & Spa is as quaint as they come. Naturally, also not to be missed is Niagara Falls just a 30-minute drive away.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
Remote, rugged and wild, Haida Gwaii is known for its rich First Nations culture and fishing—this is a prime spot to catch a big salmon. The Queen Charlotte Lodge sets guests up with everything they need to make their Tyee dreams come true, be it guided or self-guided excursions.
15 Places You Must Visit in Canada
If you love country music, cowboys, rodeos, Calgary has you covered. Every July, the Stampede delivers 10 days of it drawing nearly a million visitors. The most stylish way to do it is at Hôtel Le Germain Calgary. Right on the parade route, they have their own private grandstand for guests.